Membership Gathering 2025

For the first time in recent UFCW 1518 history, we’re bringing together hundreds of members from every sector and region to spend time together exploring how we can build power together.

ABOUT

Over three days, you’ll attend workshops, swap stories with members who’ve fought the same battles you’re fighting, and sit down for meals with workers who understand what you’re going through. This gathering is part conference, part celebration, part strategy session—and all about building a network of allies who can help you make change happen in your workplace or community.

Details

AGENDA

This agenda is subject to change.

Tuesday, September 16

Time	Description	Location
8:00 - 9:00 AM	Registration	Ballroom Foyer
8:30 - 9:30 AM	Breakfast	Coal Harbour Ballroom
9:30 - 11:30 AM	One Union Kick-off The opening ceremony will include a welcome from Ceremonial Chief Rueben George of Tsleil-Waututh Nation, remarks from BC Premier David Evy and BC Federation of Labour President Sussanne Skidmore, and a welcome from UFCW 1518 President Patrick Johnson and Secreatry-Treasurer Ronda Melbourne.	Coal Harbour Ballroom
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM	Lunch Break (lunch provided)	Coal Harbour Ballroom
12:30 - 2:00 PM	General Session: Building Solidarity in Polarizing Times Kyra Sekhon, Canadian Labour Council	Coal Harbour Ballroom
2:00 - 2:30 PM	Break	Coal Harbour Ballroom
2:30 - 4:00 PM	Strength in Numbers: Community Organizing Usman Mushtaq, Aleena Haq, Deo Rodriquez, UFCW 1518	Coal Harbour Ballroom, Side A
2:30 - 4:00 PM	Power Hour: Dealing with Management Terry Meyer, UFCW 1518	Coal Harbour Ballroom, Side B
2:30 - 4:00 PM	Key Issues Roundtable: Indigenous Sovereignty and Union Solidarity UFCW 1518 Indigenous Workers Committee	Grouse Room
4:00 - 6:00 PM	Dinner Break (per diem provided)
6:00 - 8:00 PM	Movie Night: Norma Rae A young single mother and textile worker agrees to help unionize her mill despite the problems and dangers involved.	Coal Harbour Ballroom, Side A
6:00 - 8:00 PM	Games Night	Coal Harbour Ballroom, Side B

Wednesday, September 17

Time	Description	Location
8:00 - 9:00 AM	Breakfast Sign in at Registration Desk	Coal Harbour Ballroom
9:00 - 9:30 AM	Opening Remarks Shawn Haggerty, President of UFCW Canada	Coal Harbour Ballroom
9:30 - 11:00 AM	General Session: Responding to Discrimination Emma Lopez, Human Rights, Equity & Diversity Coordinator, UFCW Canada	Coal Harbour Ballroom
11:00 - 11:30 AM	Break
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM	Strength in Numbers: Workplace Organizing Usman Mushtaq, Charm Millares, Jatinder Samra, UFCW 1518	Coal Harbour Ballroom, Side A
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM	Save-on-Foods: Get to Know Your Contract Jason Frank, UFCW 1518	Coal Harbour Ballroom, Side B
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM	Safeway: Get to Know Your Contract Daxter Stucki, UFCW 1518	Grouse Room
1:00 - 2:00 PM	Lunch (provided)	Coal Harbour Ballroom
2:00 - 3:30 PM	Bargaining 101: Private-Sector Bargaining Ashley Campbell, UFCW 1518	Coal Harbour Ballroom, Side A
2:00 - 3:30 PM	Power Hour: Dealing with Management Terry Meyer, UFCW 1518	Coal Harbour Ballroom, Side B
2:00 - 3:30 PM	Key Issues Roundtable: Fairness for International Students UFCW 1518 Social Action Committee	Grouse Room
3:30 - 5:00 PM	Break
5:00 - 7:00 PM	One Union Reception With comedian Charlie Demers and remarks from BC's Minister of Labour Jennifer Whiteside	Coal Harbour Ballroom

Thursday, September 18

Time	Description	Location
8:00 - 9:00 AM	Breakfast Sign in at Registration Desk	Coal Harbour Ballroom
9:00 - 10:00 AM	Coffee House Meet with UFCW 1518 Leadership, Executive Board Members, Union Representatives, Organizers, and visit Information Booths	Coal Harbour Ballroom
9:00 - 10:00 AM	Healthcare Coffee House Meet with Union Leaders and Sector Reps	Grouse Room
10:00 - 10:30 AM	Remarks from Katie Garrow, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, MLK Labor	Coal Harbour Ballroom
10:30 - 11:30 AM	Event Wrap-Up & Reflections on Next Steps UFCW 1518 President Patrick Johnson & Secretary Treasurer Ronda Melbourne	Coal Harbour Ballroom
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM	Check Out

FAQ

Below are some of the most common questions we receive before events. If you have a question that isn’t answered below, please contact us at reception@ufcw1518.com.

How do I fill out my expense form?

Click here for instructions on how to claim expenses.
Click here to get a copy of a fillable expense form.

Will parking be provided?

If you are staying at the hotel, self-parking is available on site. If you are driving to the gathering, you can find local parking spots using Parkopedia here.

When can I check in to the hotel?

Check in is at 3 PM but you can leave your luggage with the front desk in the hotel lobby.

Will my travel expenses be covered?

Yes. If you’re accepted into the Membership Gathering and live outside the Lower Mainland, we’ll cover your travel and accommodation.

How will I be reimbursed for my bus or ferry ride?

If you are driving or taking the ferry please book and pay for these on your own and submit your receipt for reimbursement.

Please submit receipts for any parking and mention the mileage for your drive. We will cover any reasonable travel expense, including buses. The receipts must show place of departure and destination. You will be given expense forms upon arrival as a part of the registration package and all expense claims can be made via the expense forms.

Will the union cover any lost wages if I attend the Membership Gathering?

Yes. UFCW 1518 will book you out from your work, arranged directly with you employer, and reimburse you for “lost time” for your normally scheduled hours.

Do I have to come to the evening events?

No, the evening programming is optional, however we encourage members to come for the Reception Dinner, if possible.

Can I claim for child or dependent care?

Yes. UFCW 1518 reimburses additional dependant care costs when you are away for union business in accordance with our policy.

What should I bring?

Comfortable clothes suitable for workshops and presentations (something you’d wear to a meeting)—we’ll provide everything else!

WHAT TO EXPECT

🤝 Connect across sectors and industries: Meet other union members facing similar challenges in different workplaces. Share tactics, learn from each other’s experiences, and build lasting relationships.

🛠️ Learn essential skills: Join workshops on knowing your rights, handling difficult situations with management, workplace organizing and using your contract effectively

🎉 Celebrate our victories: Hear about our recent wins, successful campaigns, and the impact we’ve made together. See firsthand how, through your union, you create change in workplaces and communities.

🚀 Get more involved: Discover committees, campaigns, and ways to get involved.

💪 Build your power: Return to your workplace with new knowledge, allies, and confidence to help your coworkers understand their power as union members.

Whether you’re new to the union or have been a member for years, whether you’re already a workplace leader or just getting started, this gathering is for you. We’re looking for members who believe in fighting for fairness and want to support their coworkers.

ABOUT UFCW 1518

UFCW 1518 is BC’s largest private sector union, representing over 28,000 workers in the retail, grocery, healthcare, food industry, cannabis, rideshare sectors and more.

Our office is located on traditional Indigenous
territory belonging to the Qayqayt First Nation
350 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC V3L 1A6

reception@UFCW1518.com
Toll-Free: 1.800.661.3708 • 604.526.1518
Fax: 604.540.1520

Get in touch

Have a workplace-specific question or concern, or need to make a general enquiry? Contact us using the form below, the details on our Contact page, or email reception@ufcw1518.com.

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For the first time in recent UFCW 1518 history, we’re bringing together hundreds of members from every sector and region to spend time together exploring how we can build power together.​

ABOUT

Details

AGENDA

FAQ

WHAT TO EXPECT

ABOUT UFCW 1518

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Get in touch

For the first time in recent UFCW 1518 history, we’re bringing together hundreds of members from every sector and region to spend time together exploring how we can build power together.